The PowerShop specializes in performance upgrades for RVs, Class C and Class A motorhomes and other types of recreational use vehicles. Some of the more common motorhome performance questions we are asked are:
Can I Safely Gain Additional Power?
The need for performance upgrades in the motorhome market is chronic and widespread. Many RV’ers feel their power is barely adequate solo and really lacking if they are towing a car or other load. This is particularly true of gasoline-powered coaches, for example, those motor homes powered by Ford 460 or V10 engines and also those powered by Chevy 454 or 8.1 liter power plants. Diesel coaches are not immune. While manufacturers have been trending towards powerful engines the last few years, many older pusher motor homes powered by Cummins, Chevrolet and some Caterpillar engines are beautiful vehicles lacking only power to be perfectly adequate for their owners needs. The answer to the additional power question for the gas or diesel coach owner is "Yes", we can safely improve power and often can improve mileage as well. We accomplish gains by ensuring the base vehicle is running properly and then making intelligent use of performance packages from Gale Banks or other products when the circumstances call for them.
How Can I Stop Exhaust Manifold Failures?
Yes we know about this, as does any RV or motorhome owner that has driven a gasoline powered RV engine over a period of time. Almost all Ford 460s and nearly as many Chevy 454s develop exhaust manifold problems - the harder they work, the earlier problems will arise. The design of the newer GM 8.1 liter exhaust manifolds suggests they will suffer failures as 454s have. The Ford V10 has now been in service long enough that some exhaust manifold failures are beginning to show up. If you can hear exhaust leakage when you drive, you are causing real damage. If you wait too long to stop the leaks, you risk having to purchase new cylinder heads as well as new exhaust manifolds. The only real solution we have found for this situation consists of installing the stainless steel headers from Gale Banks Engineering and making the engine breath better. The Banks 5/8" stainless steel header flanges are specifically engineered to expand and contract in sync with the cylinder head, reduce exhaust temperatures markedly and put an end to exhaust manifold failures once and for all in gas motor homes.
What About My Diesel Manifold?
Diesel powered coaches experience exhaust manifold failures as well. There is no available diesel pusher exhaust manifold solution to improve on original equipment. It is fair to say that the exhaust manifold(s) in your diesel-powered coach is going to fail at some point. It will develop a crack, warp or shrink in length to the point that it leaks. Replacing of gaskets will not repair a manifold that no longer matches the length of the cylinder head. Any combination of factors that provides cooler exhaust temperature in the manifold equals longer life. At The PowerShop, our solutions strive for improvement in both power and longevity of your engine and vehicle. We will always recommend an exhaust temperature gauge be installed in a hardworking diesel.
